The Haunted Mill at the Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton is well on its way to being ready for opening day thanks to the help of a team of volunteers. The mill will be open from 6:30-10 p.m. on Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27.

It's Sunday morning and even the regular cup of coffee can't seem to peel open the eyes of the volunteers and staff starting to arrive for round two of preparation. Reflecting on the previous day, Jennifer Frick in her regular spunky, energetic tone questioned, “Are those boys coming back today?” She paused and said assuredly, “They can lift anything!” Jenn, the head orchestrator of Haunted was referring to Robby Thompson and Jason Baker from Warren Hills, who spent Saturday with a team of flashy biceps hauling spooky items, shifting floors and more from storage to their annual October home. Ten truckloads later and close to 10,000 cubic feet of spooky objects transported to it, the Mill is looking a little less historic and a lot more terrifying.

During the mass transport, a diligent team of volunteers were busy painting. The maze got a fresh coat of black, while up in the cemetery plywood walls transformed into the smoky, grey bricks of a crypt. Meanwhile, volunteers gave Gallery 1, alias the Dressing Room, its incognito look as a mass of strait jackets, capes and masks were hauled into the space. It's no small feat relocating thousands of museum artifacts and transporting enough props to fill nine acres with spooky objects. It takes team effort, leadership, and community engagement.

Newbie and veteran helpers alike all share a love for the Haunted attraction. When asked to describe experiences at the Haunted Mill, the answers were mixed with memories of fright and delight. One volunteer from North Hunterdon High School replied, “I don’t know if you want me to do that...I was crying through the whole thing!” Julia Berger and Julia Tanzler also nervous, were hesitant to RSVP with a definite yes. Others ready for the adrenalin rush were less disinclined. Speckled in paint, Steven Burns from North Hunterdon was sure he will come, expressing “seeing your work in action is rewarding!”

The Red Mill Museum Village community would like to thank all those who help make Haunted the Spooktacular Extravaganza that's brought twenty-two years of faithful thrill-seekers. Those interested in volunteering as an actor or painter can call Amy Boyce, curator of public programs, at 908-735-4101, ext. 102, or email programs@theredmill.org.

The mill is at 56 Main St. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Red Mill Museum Village. Event-day tickets can be purchased on nights the Haunted Mill is open and will go on sale at 5:30 p.m.